This weekend’s demise of a bowls club was part of a cynical “cover up” to smooth the way for controversial school expansion plans, it has been argued.

Members of Wandgas Bowls club, which dates back nearly 100 years, said they would fight to protect their green at Dundonald recreation ground, next to Dundonald Primary School, which Merton Council
wants to expand.

The club will be homeless from September 30 after the council said it would no longer fund the maintenance of the green.

Club member James Delaney said: “Myself and other members of the club and residents are determined to save this facility.

“We hope we will have the assistance of Bowls England and Sport England who are both very keen to preserve local sport facilities.”

As a statutory consultee, Sport England’s objections to the council’s plans could destroy what is seen as a vital primary school expansion.

A Sport England spokesman said: “Playing fields are key resources for the whole community, and safeguarding sports provision is vital if we are to get more people of all ages playing and enjoying
sport.

“We have made an objection to an application to build upon Dundonald Recreation Ground by Merton Council. We continue to discuss this matter with the applicant.”